Chapter 15 Summary and Analysis

Chapter 15, p. 198—In October 1974, Richard Marcinko undergoes the ritual of the changing of command. Now he is in command of 150 men. Richard recalls how he briefs the Joint Chiefs of Staff in May 1974 and obtains increasing influence. Richard first inspects the SEAL equipment and is dissatisfied with it. Richard succeeds in having Rich Kuhn become his Executive Officer or XO. Then, after meeting with Admiral Greene, Richard tells his men that no beards and other facial hair will be allowed. A man demands to keep his beard and is discharged from the unit. Richard thinks there are too many junior officers on desk duty and has an officer called in, Tom Williams, to centralize staff functions. Tom still has to do all the physical training (PT) necessary to be a SEAL, including demolitions and diving training. Years later Tom becomes...